Approaching the cusp of the new century, New York perfectly displayed the juxtaposition of two highly diverging lifestyles of people from different social classes.
Nineteenth Century Immigration
New York Times Map of Immigration in the 1800s based on information from the U.S. Bureau of the Census
Created by Ted Brackemyre based on data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census
In the 1800s, thousands of immigrants from all over the world poured into the country each year, congregating especially in New York.
Immigrant Life
They were subjected to harsh discrimination, especially in regards to employment and their living environments.
From the moment most immigrants entered America, they suffered the consequences of foreigner-life.
Tenement life. 1900. Library of Congress
An Unfamiliar Audience
NY's immigrant landing, Ellis Island - Library of Congress
Having originated from a foreign country, many were unfamiliar with the English language. Since the newspapers at this time were predominately targeted toward the wealthy, immigrants were seldom an audience of the press.
During the 19th century, New York journalists were very neglectful of their increasing immigrant population. Overall, the path of journalism during this time had little relevance to the lower class, and was chiefly controlled by the wealthy.